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COP-16 Key Takeaways: Global Commitments, Funding Challenges, and India’s Role in Biodiversity Conservation

Summary:

- COP-16 Overview: Concluded in Cali, Colombia, with nearly 190 countries participating.

- Major Decisions:

- - Indigenous Inclusion: Formation of a subsidiary body to integrate indigenous groups into biodiversity discussions.
  - DSI Agreement: Debate on benefit-sharing from digital genetic data, with no consensus on a multilateral mechanism.
  - Adopted Frameworks: Addressing biodiversity-climate linkages, invasive species control, and technical requirements for implementing the KMGBF.

- India’s Role:

- - Presented an updated biodiversity plan with significant financial commitments.
  - Emphasized the need for supplementary funding beyond routine government allocations.

- Challenges:

- - Funding Gap: $200 billion needed annually, with less than 10% currently committed.
  - Policy Integration: Need for countries to embed biodiversity goals into their policy frameworks.

What is the news?

- The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recently concluded in Cali, Colombia.
- In “COP 16,” the “16” stands for the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This means it was the 16th meeting of the countries that are part of the CBD.
- This international assembly, involving nearly 190 countries, aimed to solidify agreements on protecting global biodiversity. With crucial negotiations extending beyond the scheduled dates, COP-16 underscored the urgent need to implement conservation targets and secure funding to address escalating biodiversity threats.
- This editorial delves into the highlights, achievements, and challenges of COP-16 and explores India’s role in shaping global biodiversity efforts.

What is the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): International agreement for conserving biodiversity, sustainable use of resources, and fair benefit-sharing from genetic resources.
- 2022 Montreal Meeting: Adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
- 30-by-30 Target: Protect 30% of land and water by 2030.

23 Global Targets: Urgent actions by 2030, including:

- - Reduce invasive alien species by 50%.
  - Cut pollution to manageable levels.
  - Integrate biodiversity into national policies.

- Digital Sequence Information (DSI): Fair compensation for local communities contributing genetic resources.
- COP-16 Focus: Implementation mechanisms, financing, and actionable plans.
- Funding Challenge: $200 billion needed annually, with less than 10% currently committed.

Major Decisions Taken at COP-16

Several pivotal decisions emerged from COP-16, albeit without a finalized text. Noteworthy outcomes include:

- Indigenous Inclusion in Conservation Efforts: Delegates agreed to form a subsidiary body that integrates indigenous groups into biodiversity discussions. This aims to honor indigenous knowledge and empower these communities as active conservation partners.
- Digital Sequence Information (DSI) Agreement: A significant debate centered around the DSI agreement, addressing benefit-sharing from digital genetic data. DSI facilitates discoveries in commercial products, including medicines derived from native organisms. However, consensus on creating a multilateral mechanism for contributions and benefit-sharing remains elusive, reflecting ongoing challenges in equitable resource allocation.
- Adopted Frameworks: COP-16 successfully adopted frameworks addressing biodiversity-climate linkages, invasive species control, and technical requirements for implementing the KMGBF. These frameworks set the stage for countries to align biodiversity conservation with climate action, a crucial convergence given the interdependencies of these crises.

India’s Contribution to COP-16

- India, a committed participant in biodiversity COPs, was represented by a delegation led by the Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh. India presented an updated biodiversity plan, projecting an expenditure of ₹81,664 crore from 2025 to 2030 for biodiversity and conservation initiatives.

- Previously, between 2018 and 2022, India allocated ₹32,207 crore for these efforts. Recognizing the growing financial demands, India emphasized the need for supplementary funding beyond routine government allocations to meet higher biodiversity financing requirements.

Looking Ahead: The Path to 2030 and Beyond

- As COP-16 concluded, it became apparent that while progress was made, significant work remains to actualize the KMGBF targets. Central to this mission will be securing funding, fostering inclusivity, and developing robust, actionable plans. Bridging financial gaps and achieving greater equity in benefit-sharing are essential if the vision of a sustainable, biodiversity-rich future is to be realized.

Conclusion

- The key takeaways from COP-16 underscore the importance of global collaboration, adequate financing, and inclusive policies to tackle biodiversity loss effectively. With ambitious targets set for 2030, the road ahead requires commitment, resource mobilization, and adherence to frameworks established at COP-16. As nations, including India, intensify their biodiversity protection efforts, COP-16 serves as a crucial reminder of the collective responsibility to preserve the planet’s natural heritage for future generations.

Takeaways from the COP-16 editorial:

- Global Biodiversity Goals: COP-16 reaffirmed the “30-by-30” target to protect 30% of land and water by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
- Equitable Benefit-Sharing: Key discussions focused on fair benefit-sharing from genetic resources with local communities, though consensus is still needed.
- India’s Financial Commitment: India pledged ₹81,664 crore for biodiversity conservation (2025-30) but highlighted the need for additional funding sources.

QuizTime:

Mains Questions:

Question 1:

Discuss the significance of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) agreed upon in the 2022 Montreal meeting, with a focus on the ‘30-by-30’ target and the challenges in implementing it as highlighted in COP-16.(Word Limit: 250)

Model Answer:

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), agreed upon in the 2022 Montreal meeting, represents a landmark international effort to address the rapid degradation of biodiversity globally. A key component of this framework is the “30-by-30” target, which commits nations to protect 30% of the world’s land and water by 2030. This target is significant as it aims to expand protected areas, thereby safeguarding vital ecosystems and helping combat climate change impacts.

COP-16 underscored several implementation challenges associated with the KMGBF:

- Funding Gap: It is estimated that around $200 billion annually is required to meet biodiversity targets. However, only a fraction of this has been committed, highlighting the pressing need for resource mobilization from both public and private sectors.
- Benefit-Sharing from Genetic Resources: The Digital Sequence Information (DSI) agreement emphasizes fair benefit-sharing from the use of genetic information, which often benefits pharmaceutical and commercial industries. The absence of a multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism complicates equitable compensation to communities that provide these resources.
- Integrating Biodiversity into National Policies: Effective implementation requires countries to embed biodiversity goals into their policy frameworks, which involves coordination across multiple sectors and administrative levels.

In conclusion, while the KMGBF’s goals are ambitious and essential, COP-16 revealed that fulfilling them will demand collective action, equitable frameworks, and substantial financial commitments to address biodiversity loss effectively.

Question 2:

Evaluate India’s role and contributions in global biodiversity conservation as demonstrated at COP-16, and assess the challenges it faces in financing biodiversity initiatives.(Word Limit: 250)

Model Answer:

India has consistently contributed to global biodiversity efforts, exemplified by its active participation in biodiversity-related COPs, including COP-16. At COP-16, India presented an updated biodiversity plan, committing ₹81,664 crore for biodiversity and conservation from 2025-30. This marks a substantial increase from the ₹32,207 crore spent between 2018-22, reflecting India’s recognition of the importance of biodiversity for sustainable development.

India’s commitment to COP-16 includes:

- Increasing Domestic Expenditure: India has pledged higher financing for biodiversity, though it also acknowledged the need for external funding sources to meet escalating costs.
- Alignment with Global Targets: India’s biodiversity initiatives align with KMGBF targets, particularly through efforts to control invasive species, reduce pollution, and conserve ecosystems.

However, India faces significant challenges:

- Resource Constraints: Despite increased funding, meeting biodiversity targets requires further investment beyond government allocations, particularly from international aid and private investments.

- Policy Integration: Integrating biodiversity goals into national and local policies remains complex, requiring harmonization across sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and urban planning.

In conclusion, India’s proactive approach and increased funding commitments underscore its commitment to biodiversity. However, addressing financial constraints and ensuring cohesive policy integration will be critical to achieving its biodiversity objectives aligned with global standards.

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire UPSC Current Affairs.

Relevance to the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:

Prelims:

- General Studies Paper I (Prelims):
- Environment and Ecology: The Prelims syllabus explicitly mentions environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change, which do not require subject specialization. Topics like biodiversity conventions, frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), and COP outcomes are frequently tested.
- Types of Questions in Prelims:Direct Questions on Conventions: E.g., key targets or principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its recent frameworks like KMGBF.
  Current Affairs: Since COP-16 is recent, questions could cover key outcomes, specific biodiversity targets (like “30-by-30”), or new terms like Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
  Comparison with Other Conventions: E.g., distinguishing between objectives of CBD, UNFCCC, and other biodiversity-focused frameworks.

Mains:

- General Studies Paper III (Mains):
  Environment and Biodiversity: The syllabus includes the conservation of biodiversity, environmental pollution, degradation, and environmental impact assessment. International environmental conventions like COP, biodiversity frameworks, and India’s role in these areas are significant for Paper III.

- International Relations: GS Paper II may also touch upon India’s contributions and commitments in global biodiversity forums, including CBD and COP conferences.

Interview (Personality Test):

In the UPSC interview, biodiversity topics, especially recent international summits like COP-16, may be used to assess the candidate’s awareness of current global issues, critical thinking, and understanding of India’s policy approach to environmental challenges.
Types of Questions in Interview:
- Opinion-Based Questions: Interviewers may ask for opinions on the effectiveness of frameworks like the KMGBF or specific targets like “30-by-30.” They may probe further by asking how realistic these targets are and what India can do to meet its biodiversity goals.
- India’s Strategic Interests and Contributions: Questions could focus on India’s role in biodiversity conservation on a global scale, the challenges in securing adequate funding, and how India balances development with conservation.
- Ethical and Societal Questions: Interviewers may also explore the ethical dimensions of biodiversity conservation, such as benefit-sharing with indigenous communities (DSI issues) or how climate change impacts biodiversity.